BMW increases its stake in SGL Carbon SE to 15.1%, intends to focus more on lighter weight materials

BMW increases its stake in SGL Carbon SE to 15.1%, intends to focus more on lighter weight materials

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BMW increases its stake in SGL Carbon SE to 15.1%, intends to focus more on lighter weight materials

BMW has secured an increase of its stake in SGL Carbon SE to 15.16%. This move essentially shows BMW intends to feature more carbon fiber in future models as they seem to be aware of how hefty their vehicles are getting. This also means we can expect to see a lot more CFRP (carbon reinforced plastic) in BMW vehicles but unfortunately this move is mostly geared toward the 'i' brand. BMW and the SGL group already operated a join venture with a company called SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers of which BMW holds a 49% stake and SGL holds 51%. The two partners recently built a state of the art carbon fiber manufacturing facility in Michigan.

Friedrich Eichiner who is a member of the Board of Management responsible for finance stated, "“Lightweight construction will play an increasingly important role in the automobile industry in the future. Our stake-holding in the SGL Group is a logical step that will further strengthen our successful cooperation."

I'm sure another huge factor as to why many automotive manufacturers are looking into weight reduction is because we are reaching the limit of how much power performance cars can put down efficiently. I think the future of M cars will start focussing on reducing weight instead of constantly upping power. I would not be surprised if the next couple generations of M3s have around the same power as the S85B40, but weighs significantly less. Obviously the whole angle of also maintaining or improving fuel efficiency is there as well.

Either way, I am excited to see how BMW begins to implement their carbon technology in readily available i and M cars.